Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  1998 Mazda LX 2.0 L Automatic - 1998 Mazda 626
  By tony049 - February 14 - 2:32 am

  I bought my car in 1998 new. Ive owned it for the past 16 years and have NEVER had one bit of problems. The only thing Ive done is change the oil regularly, replaced one set of complete tires, and have had regular service intervals. Car still looks good and the interior still looks new. Ive never regretted buying this car. Gas mileage is good but could be better but I have no complaints. This is a great car!

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  CX-9 AWD rocks the rockies - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By hoodoo - February 13 - 5:06 am

  Been driving this car for 2 months now. Has done many things well; like carry 6 adults, grocery shopping, drive on snow/ice, skiing, highway, city, big mountains. First Mazda we have owned and it is so nice to drive and handles well in the mtns, where we live. Great as family wagon AWD, commuter, weekender, SUV replacement, power driver seat, steering wheel adjustments, good view out the windows, big outside mirrors (heated as well), power outlets, storage in far rear compartment, kids really like the car overall, build quality seems very solid.

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  Good Value for Money - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By TJPJ - February 12 - 5:36 pm

  Overall good value for money. It cost less than what I paid for a new Camry 6 years ago! It has all the features that a family with 1 or 2 kids needs. Would not really recommend if you are traveling with 6 passengers on a regular basis. Sliding doors is definitely a plus point and makes taking the baby in/out quite a breeze. Interior, controls layout is quite nice. Seats are easy to fold and good use of space under the seats.

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  Wonderful Car, Navigation Is Bad - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By AgentBob - February 12 - 11:36 am

  Bought my 2009 CX-7 Grand Touring FWD in Oct 2008, wonderful car so far, great style. The only thing it needs is a complete overhaul on the navigation system-very hard to read. Aside from that I would buy another. I only have 325 miles on it so far, but I was happy with the lease terms. Go and buy this and have fun.

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  Glad I got rid of the SUV! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By KK - February 12 - 3:50 am

  I LOVE this car!!! I have been an SUV driver for 10 years now and was feeling the crunch at the pump. It has been a little weird switching to a car, but I forget about that instantly when Im hugging turns and driving this thing like its on rails. I bought the car on the 30th and a week and a half later I have only gone through 1/4 of a tank!!yeah! Anyone who is in a SUV ditch it, the car is a lot more fun!

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  Amazing vehicle! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By drblptq - February 11 - 8:14 pm

  I owned this incredible suv for almost two and a half years of trouble free driving, and would highly recommend it to anyone needing space for 7, ample cargo capacity, and fairly reasonable mileage. This is easily one of the best handling suvs I have ever owned. 60,000 miles and not one single issue, how many people can say that about a vehicle. I traded it for a 2011 Hyundai Elantra as I drive 25,000 plus miles per year, and 35 mpg combined is so nice. The Elantra actually has more front seat legroom that the much larger CX-9! What more could a family of four or five ask for, looks, performance, stability, handling, all in a durable and trouble free package.

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  Still Smiling - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By G Feltis - February 11 - 11:00 am

  This is one fun car. Looked for several months before purchasing a used Special Edition with 53K miles. This is one of many Mazdas I have purchased. Great handling, good brakes, this car begs to be driven enthusiastically. The six speed is great, shifts smoothly and precisely and keeps the rpms below 4000 at 75 mph. I will go out of my way to take a twisty set of roads, this car is easy to push hard in the corners. It takes a set and with smooth power application will drift progressively,and when pushed hard will break lose in the rear. If this Mazda lasts as long as my 91 truck I will be smiling for years to come.

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  Great mini-van!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By debbie sloan - February 11 - 10:00 am

  HAve not heard a negative comment on my new car. Everyone loves riding in it.

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  FAMILY ON THE MOVE - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By FAMILY2GO - February 11 - 10:00 am

  We did a good deal of research prior to purchasing the Mazda MPV. For the money it was the best value for us. We looked at Honda, Toyota, and others. Settled on Mazda, after testing them all.

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  mpv - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By DINO2281 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  i LOVE THIS VEHICLE WE SAVED FOR OVER TWO YEARS FOR IT